Geographic information system (GIS) is a research tool that can be used for fundamental research into microbial biodiversity and ecology, biogeography, biogeochemistry, new product discovery, and to support resource management and environmental restoration activities. Internet-accessible GIS applications provide a formal means to catalog microbiological data and facilitate acquisition and distribution of information. A prototype system, Yellowstone National Park (YNP) Microbial Database and Map Server, represents a first application of an Internet-accessible GIS for microbial ecology and diversity. The relational database was constructed using Microsoft Access and linked to spatial data using ESRI Arc Internet Map Server software. The data compiled include base maps, thermal spring survey data from YNP, microbiological and geochemical data acquired from technical publications, and pictures. The YNP prototype system architecture includes geochemical, physical, general field data, and photos of the sampling areas. Geochemical data included in the data table represent the range of ionic and elemental species as well as organic and inorganic compounds that investigators have detected at the various locations throughout the park, as well as the general spring types that are present, e.g., acid sulfate, neutral chloride, calcium carbonate. General information and field data allow for the inclusion of time and date of sample collection or in situ measurement, the type of sample collected, ambient temperature, sample or in situ temperature, and specific comments pertaining to the acquisition or processing of the samples, e.g., pump sampling, grab sampling, or filtration.

Relational data tables are linked to each other via common attributes. Depicted is a subset of the data tables from the prototype system, which shows the linking of various tables via common identification numbers.

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10.1128/9781555817770/fig23-1.gif

Figure 1

Relational data tables are linked to each other via common attributes. Depicted is a subset of the data tables from the prototype system, which shows the linking of various tables via common identification numbers.

Each site has a summary data table that can be accessed through a link associated with the site. Information included are the average, high, and low values for pH, temperature, and conductivity for the spring as well as the species and strains that have been detected at the site.

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10.1128/9781555817770/fig23-2.gif

Figure 2

Each site has a summary data table that can be accessed through a link associated with the site. Information included are the average, high, and low values for pH, temperature, and conductivity for the spring as well as the species and strains that have been detected at the site.